7
. The suspension fork
. Suspension fork maintenance
Suspension forks are quite intricately designed
and require a considerable amount of main-
tenance and care. Therefore, almost all sus-
pension fork manufacturers have established
service centers where customers can have
their forks thoroughly checked and over-
hauled at regular intervals.
The following routines are essential for sus-
pension fork maintenance:
Whatever type of fork you have, make sure
the sliding surfaces of the upper fork legs
(stanchion tubes) are absolutely clean. Clean
the fork with water and a soft sponge after
every ride. After washing your mountain
bike, spray the upper fork legs of the suspen-
sion fork a little (with MOTOREX Joker 440 or
MOTOREX Silicone) or apply a very thin film
of hydraulic oil (MOTOREX Fork Oil).
Have your dealer regularly check all bolt-
ed connections on your fork with a torque
wrench.
If your fork has an elastomer suspension, you
will have to clean and lubricate the synthetic
springs regularly. Only use acid- and resin-
free grease for this purpose. Some fork man-
ufacturers provide special greases for fork
maintenance. Observe your manufacturer’s
recommendations.
Forks with pneumatic springs have to be
regularly checked for air pressure, as the air
escapes over time.
Before and after adjusting the fork,
check whether the bolted connection
at the top of the upper fork legs is still tight.
With most suspension forks this bolt accom-
modates the adjusting mechanism. The bolt
can come loose while you adjust the fork!
If the available setting options do not
cover your needs, you will need
to replace the springs or shock absorb-
ers. Many manufacturers have tuning and
retrofitting sets on offer. Be sure only to use
components approved by the manufacturer
of your fork. Ask your MERIDA dealer to
exchange the parts: wrong assembly can
cause accidents and injuries.
Some suspension fork manufacturers
have established service centers, ask
your MERIDA dealer for the addresses.
Suspension forks are intricately
designed. The maintenance routines
and above all the disassembly of the fork
are jobs best left to your MERIDA dealer.
Depending on how much you ride
with your bike and on the wear, the
suspension fork has to be serviced by an
authorized MERIDA dealer at least once a
year.
When checking the bolts at the suspension
fork, use an appropriate torque wrench and
follow the fork manufacturer’s instructions.
